Sunday, April 09, 2023

Steven Alker Focused on Defending Insperity Invitational Title in The Woodlands

Photo courtesy of  2022 Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR
and PGA Media Website Archives









THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (April 9, 2023) The newest star of the PGA TOUR Champions, Steven Alker (shown above), is first to add his name to the tee sheet for the 20th anniversary of the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare, April 24‐30, 2023. 

Alker notched four PGA TOUR Champions titles including the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare in 2022 to go along with four second‐place finishes and 18 top‐10s en route to capturing the season‐long Charles Schwab Cup title. 

“It’s been a fun ride and I’m just so happy to be out here on Tour. Everything has come around and I’m enjoying my game,” said Alker.   

Mother Nature couldn’t even slow Steven Alker down in The Woodlands last year. 

The Kiwi returned to The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course from a two‐hour Sunday rain delay by playing a six‐hole stretch in 6‐under par on the back nine to outduel Steve Stricker and win the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare on Sunday for his second of three victories on the PGA TOUR Champions in 2022. 

“I actually watched some footage up in the clubhouse (during the rain delay) and just changed my ball position and felt a little more on top of the ball. Just a tiny little thing and I started hitting some nice shots and driving it better,” said Alker. “I thank goodness we did have a little break because I kind of struggled, missed a few fairways early on and made some nice putts, kept me going. Then I got my roll going.” 

Alker has been on a sizzling run since Monday qualifying for his first event – Boeing Classic – in August 2021 where he finished T7. With the top 10, the New Zealander got into the following event and then recorded six straight top‐10s before notching his maiden victory at the TimberTech Championship. 

“Steven has been a wonderful ambassador for our tournament and the PGA TOUR Champions. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the Tournament’s 20th anniversary celebration than by welcoming him back to The Woodlands,” said Bryan Naugle, Executive Director, Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare.   

“Once again Houston area golf fans will be treated to an incredible show at the end of April that will include golf’s legends, World Golf Hall of Famers, and new stars on the PGA TOUR Champions like Steven who have already started booking their tickets for our event.”  

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